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Dáil Éireann - Volume 37 - 25 March, 1931

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Principalship of Glasnevin Model School.

Tomás O Deirg asked the Minister for Education to state whether he has made an appointment to the principalship of the Glasnevin Model School; whether the vacancy was advertised in the Press; and, if not, will he state the reasons for this change of procedure; furthermore, if he will state how the selection was made, and what is the present method of appointment to such posts; also, whether the appointee is carrying out his duties as principal; and if not, whether a new appointment will be made.

Minister for Education (Professor O'Sullivan): An appointment was made to the principalship of the Glasnevin Model School on the 1st October, 1930. The vacancy was not advertised in the Press. The usual practice is to advertise vacancies in Model Schools in the Press and to make the appointments after consideration of the qualifications and school record of the candidates.

The usual procedure was not followed in this case as the Department was desirous of availing itself of the services of a teacher who, apart from conducting his school work in a highly satisfactory manner, had been particularly successful in developing the musical side of Irish education both inside and outside his school. It was intended to avail of this teacher's [2004] services temporarily in organising musical instruction in the Training Colleges, Preparatory Colleges and in National Schools. He has been relieved of his duties as principal teacher of the Glasnevin Model School for a period in order to carry out this other work and another teacher has been appointed to carry out temporarily the work of the principal of the Glasnevin Model School during his absence.

Mr. Fahy: The Minister referred to this teacher as having done very good work in developing the musical side of Irish education. I do not want to do an injustice to the man in question. Perhaps the Minister would tell us if this teacher had done good work in developing such things as Irish singing in connection with Irish music or if he will tell us what his attitude to Irish singing is?

Professor O'Sullivan: I could not answer that offhand, but, undoubtedly, he seemed to us the best man to undertake this work which we were anxious to undertake. It is an experiment which we are trying over a period of two years so as to see its effects.

Tomás O Deirg asked the Minister for Education to state the reasons for the recent appointment of a temporary principal of the Glasnevin Model School; whether the candidate selected had the highest qualifications among the applicants, and if he will name the qualifications; and also, whether the successful applicant has resigned his former position.

Professor O'Sullivan: As indicated in reply to a previous question, a temporary principal has been appointed to the Glasnevin Model School during the absence of the principal teacher of the school who has been secunded for the purpose of organising musical instruction in Training Colleges, Preparatory Colleges and National Schools.

The position was advertised in the Press and the candidate selected was regarded as the most suitable among the applicants on the basis of qualifications and reports of the Inspectors on their work in the schools. He is [2005] a trained, highly efficient, teacher, a Bachelor of Arts, holds the Higher Diploma in Education, the Barantas Gaedhilge from the University, Higher Certificate, Bilingual Certificate from the Department of Education and the Ard Teastas from an Irish College.

He has vacated his position in his former school and has been serving in the Glasnevin Model since the 2nd February of this year.

Mr. Derrig: Does the fact that this teacher has vacated his previous position mean that he is to have a lien on the appointment if a permanent appointment is to be made to this position?

Professor O'Sullivan: No; the terms of the advertisement made it quite clear that the appointment did not necessarily involve his being continued in the position.

Mr. Derrig: What is to happen the successful applicant if he does not secure the position in the event of a new appointment being made?

Professor O'Sullivan: I do not know. That will be dealt with when the question arises.

Mr. Derrig: Will the Minister say that all national teachers who may be eligible for this position will have an opportunity of applying for it?

Professor O'Sullivan: That question will be dealt with when it arises. It may not arise for a space of two years and possibly—not at all.

Mr. Derrig: Can the Minister state definitely whether national teachers as a body are going to be allowed to apply for this position when it becomes vacant?

Professor O'Sullivan: Any national teacher can apply for this position.

Mr. Derrig: Further will the Minister state how this appointment was made? What is the position in regard to these appointments? Are they made on a competitive basis or by a board? I understand the position has been a board interviews the candidates. Was this done in this particular [2006] case? Why was there not a board set up in this case?

Professor O'Sullivan: What the Deputy says has not been the practice. The appointment is made by me after advice that I get in various ways from the Department. I think there was one occasion and one only in which a board was appointed. A board is not the usual method by which advice is sent to me in making appointments for these vacancies.

Mr. Derrig: What does the Minister mean by various ways? What is the usual method?

Professor O'Sullivan: There is no usual method. I am advised of the qualifications of the different candidates and after that advice I act.

Mr. Derrig: May I ask who advised the Minister on this matter?

Professor O'Sullivan: Oh, any number of people.

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